MAN'S SYNTHETIC FUTURE — ADAMS 225 



dry rapidly and at the same time permit moisture to penetrate is 

 asking more than the chemist is likely to discover, since they are two 

 incompatible properties. But these synthetic fibers must be improved 

 in other ways, or new fibers found which have the desired properties, 

 before natural fibers will be extensively replaced. The present syn- 

 thetic fibers do not take dyes as effectively as natural fibers, and up 

 to the present it has been impossible to manufacture fabrics with the 

 attractive colors so frequently found in silk and wool. Synthetic 

 fibers also have the annoying property of melting or changing color 

 if the pressing iron is too hot. The "feel" of synthetic textiles has 

 been improved, but the resiliency of wool or the warm, soft "feel" 

 of silk has not yet been duplicated in the synthetics. When, however, 

 sj'nthetic fibers are blended with wool or rayon in various proportions, 

 fabrics with many of the desirable properties of each of the 

 components have been obtained. 



Certain representatives of the petroleum industry, when called upon 

 to make speeches in foreign lands on the progress of petroleum chem- 

 istry, have demonstrated the achievements by clothing themselves 

 completely — suit, necktie, shirt, underclothing, and socks — with syn- 

 thetic fibers, the primary chemicals for which are all derived from 

 petroleum. For any traveler in foreign lands, the convenience of 

 synthetic-fiber wearing apparel is superlative. 



I predict the discovery of synthetic fibers which the public will pre- 

 fer for most purposes to the natural fibers. An official of the wool 

 industry made a statement recently that the demand for wool as a 

 fabric will never be replaced. These words were spoken by one com- 

 pletely unfamiliar with the potentialities of chemical research. Just 

 as the automobile replaced the wagon, synthetic fibers will replace the 

 natural fibers. Half the wool now consumed in the United States 

 will be replaced by synthetic fibers within 10 to 20 years, the time being 

 dependent primarily on the restrictions which industry encounters in 

 materials and money for plant construction. Synthetic fibers to re- 

 place cotton will also be discovered ; these will be strong, durable, and 

 moisture-absorbing, thus making them suitable and comfortable for 

 wearing apparel. They will not, however, be rapid-drying. 



The plastics to replace cotton will also serve to replace natural 

 leather for shoe uppers. For years excellent leather substitutes, 

 especially for seat coverings and bookbinding, have been available 

 but not for shoes. Natural leather permits moisture to penetrate, 

 and the feet remain dry except when it is unusually hot. The present 

 artificial leathers do not have this property. As a consequence, when 

 shoes of this material are worn the feet become moist and uncomfort- 

 able. With durable, moisture-absorbing plastics, the problem of 

 synthetic shoe uppers will be solved. 



